8. Regarding my medications, how much do I take and for how long? Whatdoes this medication do and when will I feel/know that they are working?What are the possible side effects of the medications and how should we monitorfor them (e.g. laboratory testing, blood pressure reading)? Will thesemedications interact with the other medication that I am taking? Whathappens if I forget to take it?

9. If my symptoms worsen, what should I do on my own? When should Icall your office versus going to the emergency room? What should I do lateat night?

10. If you have asthma, ask your doctor to give you an Asthma Care Planin writing.

******Thanks to Jean and Dave I have added the following questions to this list.

What do my spirometry or PFT results tell you about my specific situation?

What can I do to manage and control this chronic disease?

Do you recommend pulmonary rehab for me? If not, why not? What about a home exercise program?

If I have an increase in any of my symptoms, what should I do? Will you work with me via email or by phone instead of an office visit? What to do/not do when you are ill.

Others often have antibiotics and prednisone on hand; will you arrange that for me? If not, why not?

What would happen if I quit smoking today? What would happen if I don't quit smoking? What kind of damage does smoke do to my lungs, including 2nd-hand smoke?

Do explain prescribed meds and why, also that they may or may not help, that there are other meds that can also be tried, and the patient needs to let the doctor. know if the meds are helping and of any ill effects. The doctor. should tell patient that some of these meds may cause the shakes, pulse variations. (I think a patient can handle these better if they know to possibly expect them.)

When is it time to get yourself to the doctor (DON'T WAIT!).

Explain how the pulse oximeter works, and the differences in the results from the arterial blood gas test.

How much is too much of your "rescue" inhaler.

Remember:

Prepare ahead of time for the "routine" questions that doctors almostalways ask.Prepare your own list of questions, in writing for the doctor.Bring a copy of old pertinent records, if you have been seen byspecialists in the past.Bring a list of medications that you have tried in the past and arecurrently using.

Establishing an accurate diagnosis is key to proper treatments. You arethe most important person in this process by accurately describing to yourdoctor the character, location, duration, and time of onset of yoursymptoms. You should also inform your doctor about vitamins, herbs, andmedications you are taking. For example, long-term use of certainvitamins and non-prescription medications may be the cause of your abnormalliver tests; magnesium-containing antacids and supplements may be causingyour diarrhea; certain blood pressure pills can be the reason for yourconstipation.